1. DAY OF SURGERY Physical exercise (running, aerobics, biking, weight‑lifting etc.) increases blood flow to the surgical site and promotes post‑operative bleeding. Therefore you should avoid all unnecessary physical activity for the remainder of the day of surgery. On the second day you may resume your normal activities with the exception of heavy exercise. Heavy exercise should be avoided for at least 5-6 days.

2. PERIODONTAL DRESSING (PACK) Periodontal dressing is sometimes used after surgery to cover the surgical site and keep the gum tissue down for healing. The material that you feel around your teeth is the dressing. It will become firm in about an hour and should not be disturbed while it is setting. It should remain in place until your next appointment when it will be removed. Part or all of the dressing may come loose before your first scheduled post-operative check, but this is of no consequence unless it causes discomfort. Please, do not brush the area with the dressing.

3. PAIN You may have moderate discomfort after the anesthesia disappears. This discomfort may last for a day or two. Ibuprofen (such as Advil) or other anti-­inflammatory or pain medication may provide adequate control of the remaining pain. Aspirin and aspirin compounds interfere with blood clotting and are often associated with bleeding problems, and therefore are not recommended. Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed after surgery to avoid post‑surgical infections. Please take all medications as prescribed and follow exactly the instructions given on the label.

4. SWELLING In some cases, swelling is to be expected. To help alleviate this, ice packs may be applied to the outside of the face over the area of surgery 1/2 hour on, 1/2 hour off, for the rest of the day of surgery, and as needed on the following day. Ice cubes in a plastic bag work nicely as an ice pack. If the swelling continues for more than 2 days after surgery, it may be an indication of bleeding or infection at the wounded area, in which case you should call your surgeon.

5. BLEEDING Do not be concerned if traces of blood are noted, or if your saliva is pink, in the hours after the operation. Pressure can be maintained on the wound with damp gauze, for at least an hour. This can be repeated as necessary throughout the day. Rest with your back reclined at a 45° angle (i.e. in a sofa chair) for the remainder of the day. Place an extra pillow under your head and sleep with your head elevated. Avoid:

• Rinsing your mouth vigorously for the first few hours. This will disrupt the clot

• Spitting. If you feel you need to spit, lean over a sink and allow the saliva to fall out. If your saliva is more than pink, and you are concerned about bleeding, do the following:

1. Apply pressure on the wound with a fresh damp gauze (no stripe). Wait 1 hour. If persisting

2. Apply pressure on the wound with a moist tea bag (i.e. chamomile). Wait 1 hour. If persisting

3. Apply pressure on the wound with Quik Clot Gauze (blue stripe). Call Dr. Dabuleanu

6. ORAL HYGIENE Meticulous oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, etc.) should be continued in all areas of the mouth except in the area of surgery. Dr. Dabuleanu will prescribe either of the following rinses. Both are to be used gently without vigorous swishing:

• Chlorhexidine rinse. Use 1 tablespoon 2x per day, morning and evening for 2 weeks, starting the morning after surgery

• Warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon table salt in 8 ounces warm water) 2x during the day, starting 48 hours after the surgery

7. NUTRITION Softer foods are advised during the first 2 weeks after surgery. Ensure or Boost meal replacements are helpful during this period. Try having soft fruit, well-cooked vegetables, soups, smoothies, puddings, yoghurt, and tender meat, poultry, or fish. Avoid:

• Crunchy, chewy, sticky, and spicy foods

• Hot liquids like coffee and tea. Let them cool first before drinking

• Using a straw when drinking. Drink normally out of a glass instead

• Chewing at all on the surgery site. You can chew on the opposite side of the mouth

If you are wearing a denture that sits over the area of surgery, it is best to avoid wearing it during the first 2 weeks after the surgery, unless advised otherwise.

8. SUTURES Dr. Dabuleanu will advise you what kind of sutures will be used, and what to expect:

• Self-dissolving tan-brown sutures were used. These will dissolve within 7 days

• Non-dissolving white sutures were used. These will be removed 4 weeks after surgery

• Non-dissolving blue sutures were used. These will be removed 2 weeks after surgery

9. SMOKING Smoking has a very bad effect on healing after gum surgery. Please consider quitting smoking completely. It will improve your prospects of long-term success. After the following types of surgery, avoid smoking for:

• Periodontal surgery / Extractions – 2 weeks

• Bone graft – 1 month 

• Implant placement – 2 months

10. ALCOHOL Alcoholic beverages should be avoided for the first 72 hours after surgery, so as not to slow the initial healing process. If antibiotics are prescribed, avoid alcohol until 2 days after your last dose.

We can always be reached at (416) 222 – 5055 should you have any questions